Forty-niners surrounded Tex, and gave the officers to understand that it wouldn’t be safe to attempt the job. Captain Herndon was immediately summoned and drawing his sword demanded of Tex in a very threatening manner if it was his desire to raise a mutiny on board of his ship? Tex replied in a very calm and quiet manner, oh, no, not by any means Captain, for we are not that style of men at all. We are a lot of Forty-niners on the way to the East to visit the old folks and to see our girls, and have no desire to raise a mutiny, but we are simply trying to raise some sugar.
Captain Herndon took a good square look at Tex right in the eye, for about a minute; then he ordered the guard to go upon deck, sheathed his sword, and walking round to the other side of the table where Tex was standing, laid his hand upon his shoulder, and with good nature beaming from his eyes said:
“Then all you are trying to raise is a little sugar is it, sir?”
“That’s all, Captain, said Tex in a very quiet and polite way.”
“Well, remarked the Captain and you shall have it. Steward divide that sugar with the boys in the steerage,” and then shaking hands with Tex and a few others, he went upon deck.
Some one asked if Tex was yet alive and where he was; and Tennessee replied that Tex returned to his native State about twenty years ago; bought a ranch somewhere in the northern part of the State; went and got married, and settled down for life. He continued by saying that he heard from Tex occasionally, and said he; “The last letter I received from him was only a few months ago. I have the letter with me now, and if you would all like to hear what Tex has to say, I will read it to you.” Upon all present expressing a desire to hear the letter read, Tennessee took it from his pocket and read as follows:
“California Ranch, Jones Co., Texas, }
“September 25th, 1887. }
“Dear Old Pard:—